Your Wants for a New Operating System

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Up to now, there really has been no community development of an Operating System that everyone wanted. The nearest attempt was Multics then modeled by UNIX.

Linux is all very well, but you pretty much have to be a C programmer.

Microsoft has had 25 years to produce a reasonable operating system and has failed miserably, and Apple is really just enhancing UNIX. The world needs something new.

Here is your chance to put in your oar. If you had to specify an operating system, or any part of it, what would you like it to do?

[vidioman 21]

NOT CRASH! EVER!

[Duke87 1,070]

Personally, I would like to see the next version of windows have complete reverse compatibilty, incuding the ability to emulate the old MS-DOS as well as old sound and graphics cards. I have some old games that run perfectly but with no sound because they don't recognize my modern card.
Also, it would need the ability to run programs at a slower processor speed. I have a couple of old programs which run fine but are unplayable because they run at lightspeed since they were programmed based on the processor clock, and intended to be run with a 486, not a Pentium M.

Actually, I'd also like my computer to be able to have multiple operating systems which could be switched between at will. That is, the ability to switch between the latest Windows, the latest Mac OS, Linux, and older OSs all on one computer.

I also think it should come with (optionally):

-file converters.
It should have a good converter which can easily and nicely convert between:
-any type of audio file
-any type of video file
-any type of image file
-any typeof flash file
-any type of compression file (zip, rar, etc.)
-any type of text/word processing file
-any type of font file
and I'm talking everything under the sun here, not just a few types.

-a hex editor

-a website coder/converter (convert between html,php,etc.)

-a souped up version of MS Paint

-an MS audio/video editor of some sort

-a flash editor

-an internet file grabber, that makes it so you can right cick on anything and save as. This includes not only images but flash files, video files, and anything else that gets viewed as part of a page in IE.

-an IE plugin that prevents sites from disallowing right clicking

-an IE plugin that disables those annoying "pngbehavior" htc files that make images come up blank when you try to save them

-some sort of software designed for game modding/save state hacking

Standard features:
-increased security for IE
-better IE support of things like XHTML, etc
-ability for custom IE plugins, like firefox does
-abiity to set standard file view modes seperate for in IE and in WE, but still by folder
-more windows explorer abilities (ability to sort audio folders by modified; ability to sort files by frequency of access)
-an MS anti-spyware/anti-adware program
-an MS antivirus and MS Internet Secuity
-an MS popup blocker
-CD/DVD burning software

stuff a computer should have that's non OS-related:
-an optical hard drive as opposed to a magnetic one
-at least 3 USB ports
-a multi-card reader
-a second hard drive which is only allowed to contain backups of files within Documents and Settings or program files, so that if your computer completely crahses and you need to reformat your drive, all your stuff is still there.

maybe I'll think of more later....

[vidioman 21]

"-an IE plugin that prevents sites from disallowing right clicking"

That's called 'firefox' a/k/a 'copyright violation and a chargable offense'

I use firefox to save Emporis images all the time, even though it's illegal to do so. I do delete them afterwards, though, it's just so I can view them while working on BlockCAD models without having a browser open.

[Duke87 1,070]

Illegal my ass. If they really cared about those images, they wouldn't put them up on the internet for the world to see.

As far as I'm concerned, anything on the internet is public domain, since it's there for the taking by anyone who knows how. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it requires a little knowledge of what you're working with, and on some occasions it requires "1337 haxx0r" technique. But anything that you view on the internet must enter your computer for you to view it, even if it's coded so it doesn't show up in you're cache. Thus it's still saveable. I currently don't know how, and I woudn't be surprised if it requires some sort of special user-created software. But I know it's possible.

[hamsterTK 93]

The perfect OS would be totally KISS as in KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!

I'll use media players as the example"

windows media player is a piece of pookie. It is bloated and can freeze up the computer and it doesnt play much. And Real Player is just as bad, maybe even worse, since it often pops up in the middle of playing simcity to tell you about the newest episode of OC, like we really give a hoot.

Compare it to Videolan player. It is the typical tape deck buttons in a window and a menu where a tiny bit of complicated stuff is stashed but easy to get too. And it plays almost anything,even the things you should not legally be playing on your computer.

The biggest thing i want is an OS that will tell you what is happening in the background in normal human speech. For example, i want it to have a utility that tells you everything that is happening in the registry in plain english so that it is easy to find and squash bugs. Also, a utility to show in plain english what is going in and out on your internet connection. Basically, something to let normal computer users hack their own computer without having to be hackers. it would make cleaning up bugs easier and also it would make it impossible for spyware/adware to get away with what it does if the user keeps an eye on what is going on. Antivirus is nice but it doesnt always work for me.

Also, like someone said earlier, a souped up MS Paint would be great. Its so user friendly and lighting fast compared to photoshop, a simple layering tool and fuzzy brushes couldnt hurt.

Finally, it would have a fully customizable user interface. Stardock Suite is such a scam, when you really should be able to change everything easily anyways

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Hey, fellas, all the replies so far have been based on a "new version of windows". That wasn't what I had in mind, but it shows the limited exposure of the audience.

How about an operating system that:

1. runs on any platform
2. Has no special deals for any application
3. Follows the POSIX standard for command line processing
4. Has a GUI that doesn't depend on the file system program
5. Doesn't supply any applications including media players
6. Has a full set of tuning utilities
7. Makes it easy to write drivers for new gear
8. Has its development language built in
9. Is Open Source
10. Free to a good home
11. Runs all existing applications
12. Hosts other operating systems
13. Has an idiot proof file system
14. Strong security

[Ma8thew 77]

I think N_O_Body has come closest. Seems to want an everything and the kitchen sink OS (and most of the stuff you want is already avaidable). Besides, there is nothing that could convert between all formats. It's just plain impossible. By the time you'd finished coding it, it would be out of date!

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: Ma8thew I think N_O_Body has come closest. Seems to want an everything and the kitchen sink OS (and most of the stuff you want is already avaidable). Besides, there is nothing that could convert between all formats. It's just plain impossible. By the time you'd finished coding it, it would be out of date!quote>

Thank you. That's really an updated Multics spec. Multics didn't have a GUI, and had its own command processor. POSIX is later, but it is an ISO standard.

[defcon pilot 0]

Personally, I'm happy with Mac OS X. They have a nicely designed graphical interface, everything runs smoothly (now if only I could get some more memory to make things even smoother...), Internet browsing is great, and I've never had it freeze! Now if only gaming companies made more stuff for it... However, I wish they made it so that it would be able to do such things as run any application and go on any type of machine... However, aside from that, it basically has all the stuff you want. And I like it when it comes with a media player. QuickTime and iTunes can open up almost any type of media file you want. It follows the POSIX standard as well, since it is based on UNIX. All of the latest Apple computers come with a full set of tuning utilities, if you're thinking along the lines of CPU monitors, disk repair applications, network utilities, etc. It comes with an installer package and full documentation for XCode, which can help you build devices and software. The only other things I've left out are strong security, an idiot-proofed file system (which is almost impossible), and it doesn't host all of the other operating systems. (You can install Virtual PC, though, if you want to run Windows apps.) It doesn't come with strong security. Of course, not many viruses are written for Macs, so...

But basically, what I'm saying is that most of what you want comes in the form of the Mac.

[vidioman 21]

Originally posted by: Duke87

Illegal my ass. If they really cared about those images, they wouldn't put them up on the internet for the world to see.

As far as I'm concerned, anything on the internet is public domain, since it's there for the taking by anyone who knows how. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it requires a little knowledge of what you're working with, and on some occasions it requires "1337 haxx0r" technique. But anything that you view on the internet must enter your computer for you to view it, even if it's coded so it doesn't show up in you're cache. Thus it's still saveable. I currently don't know how, and I woudn't be surprised if it requires some sort of special user-created software. But I know it's possible.quote>

Next time you post something you've made I'll claim it as my own on another forum just to show you what that feels like. It's hard to describe, but you'll know it when you feel it.

As for Emporis' images, you can print screen them out. Takes a bit of work but if you feel you have the time to hack into their system you sure as hell have the time to print screen it.

[Skink000 0]

I think I agree with N_O_Body and defcon pilot. I just want to make sure its one operating system for all computers, write software for that one OS and be done with it. This would be a good time to make it fool proof, better late than never. (By fool proof I mean so niether Techno Geek Sim nor Joe Sim can screw it up).

Can we make the ultimate hardware system that would be the end all to end all while we are at it or are we looking at monopolies?
If they were the right products would that be so bad?

Ill be happy if it runs the way it should and lets me have total control to configure it the way I want and everybody loves it  

Another 25 years we might have it if we are lucky, I doubt it, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, Nvidea, ATI and all the other big hitters through KISS so far out the window I doubt we ever see it again (?).

[hym 358]

I would like to see an OS that is fool-proof for those who don't understand it, but can be easily modified so that the experts can really work with the OS.

[Easy Bakes 253]

 I agree with whoever said one that you can control the speed your programs run at.Like he said there are tons of great games that are unplayable with new equipment.

I realy like XP its a VAST improvment over 2000 except as previously mentioned Media player sucks beyond all belief when it dosn't have too.
Where are my plugings for  quicktime dang iT?

[defcon pilot 0]

@Skink000: Only thing is, if you have complete control of the OS, it isn't idiot-proof. You can modify it all you want, so if you decide to suddenly act idiotic, you'd be still be able to mess up your computer. And hackers have plenty of ingenuity: They'll find a way.

[Skink000 0]

 @defcon pilot: Hahahaha, so true ,so true

[organicsabre 1]

One that can set up a wireless network with pc's using different operating systems and not suddenly tell you that you need this updat and that, then crash, then tell you you must restart all the time, then forget what you told it (hmmm am I ranting about the last 4 hours of my life today????)

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Now if it is open source and the development language is included, it can be proof against ID-10-T errors caused by the jerk holding the keyboard.

However, if you use a ring system and only arbitrated code is allowed in the kernel and kernel service rings, then it shouldn't crash the whole system, just the stupid stuff written by sloppy users.

For really good security, you need an Access Isolation System that is married to the hardware, so that if a user's rights mask doesn't match the program or file he is calling he doesn't get it. This means a serious priviledge granting authority. Not very hard, because there are all kinds of artibrators out there now, e.g. whoever grants URLs.

So, you would also need fully standardized hardware, too.

[defcon pilot 0]

Macs come with development language included. They're open-source as well. Of course, no machine I know of has fully standardised hardware...

@Skink000:

[Duke87 1,070]

Originally posted by: N_O_Body
How about an operating system that:
runs on any platformquote>

good.

Has no special deals for any applicationquote>

not sure exactly what you mean by that....

Follows the POSIX standard for command line processingquote>

...and that would be?

Has a GUI that doesn't depend on the file system programquote>

again, not sure exactly what you mean by that.

Doesn't supply any applications including media playersquote>

that would suck, actually.

Has a full set of tuning utilitiesquote>

meaning that it comes capable to pick up radio and TV signals? or what?

Makes it easy to write drivers for new gearquote>

sure, why not?

Has its development language built inquote>

meaning it's not a shell of somehting else like windows is a shell of DOS?

Is Open Sourcequote>

oh, hell yes!

Free to a good homequote>

An OS that you can get without paying for? Are you kidding or are you predicting some flurries in hell?

Runs all existing applicationsquote>

Would be nice, but it usually doesn't work that way. The Program must support the OS, not the other way around.

Hosts other operating systemsquote>

good idea.

Has an idiot proof file systemquote>

oohhh... you know, I actually don't like the sound of that. The trouble is that "idiot proof" often equates to "annoying to use for those who aren't idiots".

Strong securityquote>

Of course. However, the security must be customizable and have adjustible settings and levels of security, including be able to completely turn it off. If my OS won't allow me to do somehting I'm trying to do because it's been deemed "unsafe", that would be pretty damned annoying.

vid: You misunderstand me. Even when something is public domain, it still isn't proper to say you made it when you didn't. All it means is that you can use it without the creator's permission. You can't claim it as your own. That's still plagiarism. Ultimately, though, I can't stop you short of finding a way of proving it's mine and taking you to court over it. And considering I don't know your real name or exactly where you live, I can't do that. And even if I could, I wouldn't. I could never bring myself to sue someone, no matter how much they desreved it. The legal system is way too abused and I refuse to deal with lawyers.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

@Duke87:  Well, you'll understand these things when you have been exposed to a study of operating software.  You can google for some of it, POSIX for example.

Tuning tools have to do with the way the system operates for you.  XP has limited capability by allowing you to emphasize background tasks for forground apps.  One of the best tuning tools is a resouce use recorder so you can find out how busy parts of the machine are.

[Ma8thew 77]

Examples of free OSs for you, Duke. FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, Ubuntu Linux, SuSe Linux, Mandriva Linux, Debian Linux, Solaris, Darwin and many more. What was that about there not being any free operating systems?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

@Ma8thew: I am aware of all except Darwin.  These are UNIX or UNIX-like clones.  C1 security at best.  I should think with the hardware/software marriage a new system could get B2 or B1 rated.

[Ma8thew 77]

Darwin? It is the open source, Unix-like operating system upon which OS X is built, released by Apple in 2000.

[EDIT]

Forgot to mention, Darwin is based on FreeBSD 5 and Mach 3.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Thanks.  I really am getting out of touch on that now that I am retired.  Never did have much to do with apple computers.  PC's and mainframes.

[Skink000 0]

Man, you guys are over my head, but thats OK your in good company.

I would love to have really, really, really good voice recognition so I don't have

to do all this #$@^%&(^% typing and spelling.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Originally posted by: Skink000 Man, you guys are over my head, but thats OK your in good company.

I would love to have really, really, really good voice recognition so I don't have

to do all this #$@^%&(^% typing and spelling.

quote>

A voice recognition system would be a service application.  If you used a proper ring structure it could be in the next to outer ring in the application support layer, and it would be available for any editor.  Of course the editor would have to call it, which means programming, eh?

[Shadow Assassin 336]

One thing that OSes are missing is a Mozilla-style search interface. It appears at the bottom of each page, and would make it a lot easier to find files without having to open the Find utility.

Example [it's been Photoshopped in]:

Now, that sort of Find thingy would be absolutely perfect. It's the same sort of Find as in Microsoft Word, etc

[Skink000 0]

Ah. . . . . Sure N_O_Body, if you say so . . . . .

Hahahahahaha

[Ma8thew 77]

I like the OS wide services in OS X, like the dictionary. I think things like that make all the difference.